Targeting specific cells to find a cure for HIV
Targeting CD127-expressing tissue reservoir cells as a strategy for HIV cure
This research explores a new way to reduce the amount of HIV in the body by focusing on certain infected cells that hide in tissues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | J. David Gladstone Institutes NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162463 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
HIV can hide in special long-lived cells in your body's tissues, making it hard to get rid of completely. These hidden cells, called reservoir cells, have a protein called CD127 on their surface and are kept alive by a signal called IL7. This project uses a special antibody, 4A10, which was originally developed for cancer, to block the IL7 signal and help the immune system remove these CD127-expressing cells. By targeting both the signal and the cells themselves, we hope to reduce the amount of hidden HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for people living with HIV who are interested in future therapies aimed at eliminating the virus from their bodies.
Not a fit: Patients not living with HIV would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the hidden HIV reservoir in patients, potentially leading to long-term remission or even a cure.
How similar studies have performed: The antibody 4A10 has been developed for other conditions like T-ALL cancer therapy, but its specific use to target HIV reservoir cells is a novel application.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- J. David Gladstone Institutes — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roan, Nadia R — J. David Gladstone Institutes
- Study coordinator: Roan, Nadia R
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.